The Jackson County Health Department announced Monday possible COVID-19 exposures to dozens of people at three area churches this month. In a news release, health officials cited three possible exposures:
- Connection Point Church in Raytown between October 5-13. Seven people have tested positive for COVID-19 in connection to the exposure. Health officials believe a total of 10 to 20 people could have been exposed.
- Connection Point Church in Lee’s Summit between October 5-1313. Seven people have tested positive for COVID-19 in connection to the exposure. Health officials believe a total of 10 to 20 people could have been exposed.
- Small prayer groups and youth group at Lifegate Church in Independence between October 7-21. Health officials say five people have tested positive for COVID-19. They believe more than 40 people could have been exposed.
Health officials say anyone who has tested positive from these exposures should contact the Jackson County Health Department at (816) 404-6416.
Also on Monday, Missourinet reported that the state has shipped thousands of antigen test kits to public and private schools around the state. Nearly 330 districts/schools applied to get the tests, totaling nearly 583,000 test kits for use among symptomatic students and school workers.
“We believe these rapid antigen tests, in conjunction with other mitigation strategies, could be instrumental in helping schools provide onsite learning opportunities safely,” said State Education Commissioner Dr. Margie Vandeven.
The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education said districts/schools that applied will receive the number of test kits requested (up to one test per student and staff member, because of limited inventory) in incremental shipments over the coming months. In the state’s current inventory, there are approximately 240,000 test kits available to distribute to K-12 schools that have provided the required assurances and documentation.
Jackson County had 24,267 known cases and 318 deaths as of Sunday. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services said Monday that there have been 171,022 cases of COVID-19 since the start of the outbreak and 2,810 deaths.
–Alan Goforth | Metro Voice